Banking Jobs in Kenya: How to Prepare for Banking Interviews

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The exponential growth in the banking industry in Kenya has seen a steady increase in establishment of new banks and growth of new branches in different parts of the country. For job seekers looking for banking jobs in Kenya, this is a welcome relief.

However, the entire job market is imbalanced with a job-seeker base that is four times larger than the available opportunities. This means that competition for these jobs is high and candidates must work hard to stand out in their applications. This article shows highlights areas to work on when looking for banking jobs in Kenya.

Banks officers handle thousands of shillings on a daily basis. Sensitive processes like transfers, deposits, withdrawals, loans payments contribute to a bank’s success in maintaining customer relationships. This means that bank officers need to be accurate, detail oriented, honest, and excellent interpersonal skills to handle customers as expected.

So how do you prepare for interviews in banking jobs in Kenya? The points highlighted below can provide the tips you need to ace these interviews.

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Basic interview etiquette:

  • Keep time- banking jobs in Kenya require punctuality
  • Dress in a professional manner – First impressions matter
  • Carry your CV and all required documents – Banking jobs in Kenya require full documentation and thorough background checks.
  • Conduct a prior research on the bank you are interviewing with
  • Prepare a list of questions for the interviewer
  • Put your phone on silent mode. It is rude to have phones ringing during an interview session
  • Conduct market research and be ready for latest developments in the market

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Possible questions to expect in an interview

  • Tell us about yourself
  • What are your strengths /weaknesses?
  • What do you consider your greatest achievement so far?
  • Why a career in banking?
  • Why did you apply to this particular bank?
  • Why do you think you are the best candidate for this job?
  • Have you ever handled an irate client? Tell us about that experience
  • What changes have taken place in the banking industry in the past 1/3/5 years?
  • Where do you see yourself in the next 2/5/7 years?
  • What do you know about our bank? Our vision/mission/values etc
You can get advice on how to tackle these questions here.

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How to gather general information on the industry

Become knowledgeable in a particular industry requires continuous effort and exposure to the aspects of that particular industry. This means that you have to begin learning about the industry of your industry as early as while still studying. Being familiar with happenings in the industry means you understand when changes happen, the impact of these changes and the ripple effect expected on the larger economy or other industries with indirect contact.

If you haven’t been doing this and you are called for an interview, you might not be as strong as the individual who has been keeping tabs on developments of the banking industry in Kenya. This does not mean that you can’t learn fast. Here is what to do;

  • Research on the latest technology used in the banking industry
  • Names of the chairman, managing director and branch manager of the bank you are interviewing
  • Basic terms and technologies used in the banking industry
  • The existing money instruments e.g ATM, cheques, credit cards, debit cards etc. and how each is used
  • General information e.g relevant government bodies and authorities related to finance and banking
  • Recent news of relevance

When conducting this research, ensure you take notes to ensure you don’t forget anything important.

See banking jobs in Kenya.

Mueke Katwa
I have two years experience in Business Support which covers Human Resource as a function; and a lifelong passion in creative writing.
 

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59 COMMENTS

    • Hello Irene,
      Thank you for writing to us.
      We do have jobs that match your talent.
      Kindly click the link below and apply.

      ^TM

  2. thanks for the information I hav applies for more than 10 jobs but I haven’t been shortlist any where.I hold diploma bachelors and Certificate in Forestry. and B’s NATURAL RESOURCE Economics

    • Hello Ronald,
      Thanks for sharing your feedback.
      We noticed three things which if implemented will improve your employer response.
      First of all please update your profile up to a range of 98% to 100 % profile completeness.
      Secondly, it would be prudent if you could delete all the resumes on your account then upload an updated resume to your account.
      Finally, please subscribe to our job alerts and apply for jobs as soon as you get the alert on your email inbox.
      Hopefully, these simple yet effective measure would go along way in improving your user experience on our job site.
      Please feel free to get back to us for more assistance.

      ^AM

    • You’re welcome Joseph.
      We are glad you are enlightened.
      We do have opportunities that matches your talents.
      Kindly click on the link and check them out.

      ^TM

  4. thankx for good information but for my side I completed diploma in social work and community development

    i find job in community development & social welfare issue plz help me

    • Hello Mbwana,
      Thanks a lot for writing to us.
      We do have opportunities that match your qualifications.
      Kindly click on the below Link and apply.

      ^TM

  6. Hi. I have made several applications in different organisations including banks but haven’t been lucky. I have a degree in B.com (Operations Management option). At times I tend to think that may be the option isn’t marketable in kenya. What can I do? Please help me get a job. Am even thinking of enrolling for a masters to see if I can be able to stand a better chance. Please help.

    • Hi Mima,
      Thanks for writing to us.
      We checked on your account details and realized that you need to update your profile up to 99% and then subscribe to our job alerts so that your chances of getting feedback from employers is increased. Once you have done that you can then apply.
      You have all it takes to get employed just make those few amendments. Feel free to write to us if you need further clarification.

      ^TM

  7. i am miriam i have a degree in Business information technology and a diploma in business administration any job for me?

    • Hello Loveness
      Thank you for writing to us. We have confirmed that your account doesn’t actually exist. Here are the steps to create one then you can apply.
      – using the the URL below:
      https://www.brightermonday.co.ke/ …… click on the sign up tab to create your job seeker account.
      -Once logged in to your account, please update your profile by clicking on “My Career Profile” (a complete profile should have a 99% profile completeness percentage)
      – Ensure that you upload a fresh C.V on your profile so that employers can get a chance of viewing it.
      – You can also create job alerts by clicking on the circled icon at the top right corner of the page. Select the ‘My job alerts’ option from the menu that appears on your screen.
      Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need further assistance.

      ^TM

  9. Hi, am Jane, have a diploma in business management, is there any job you can offer to me?, will appreciate much. Thanks.

    • Hi Jane,
      Thanks for reading our article.
      kindly click here to view all the latest job opportunities in your field of profession.

      ^AM

  10. Hi, am Esther, currently pursuing diploma in business management, am kindly requesting for am internship opportunity to better my skills, is there any vacant for me? Thanks

    • Hi Esther,
      Thank you for writing to us.
      We do have exciting job opportunities in your field of interest. Kindly click on the here and apply.

      ^TM

  11. Hi am David done diploma in business management can I get a offer for job from you, nitasukuru sana.asanteni

    • Hi David,
      Thanks for showing interest in our job site.
      We did check from our end and noted that you need to create a BrighterMonday job seeker account
      Kindly follow the instructions below.
      – using the the URL below:
      https://www.brightermonday.co.ke/ …… click on the sign up tab to create your job seeker account.
      -Once logged in to your account, please update your profile by clicking on “My Career Profile” (a complete profile should have a 99% profile completeness percentage)
      – Ensure that you upload a fresh C.V on your profile so that employers can get a chance of viewing it.
      – You can also create job alerts by clicking on the circled icon at the top right corner of the page. Select the ‘My job alerts’ option from the menu that appears on your screen.
      To view the job that matches your talent clickk here
      Feel free to write to us if you need further assistance.

      ^TM

  12. HI AM TYSON AND HAVE DONE BSC IN AGRIBUSINSS MANAGMENT IN THE UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI. CAN YU HELP ME LOCATE A JOB I KENYA

    • Hallo Tyson.
      Thank you for writing to us.
      We do have jobs in your field of interest.
      Kindly click on the link and apply.

      ^TM

  17. how is bacheror of science in finance today or some years to come in kenya. Is /will it be marketable

    • Hi Wilson,
      Thank you for reading.
      We cant really be able to tell because the courses depend on ones preference but if there is peace, clean and healthy environment, corrupt free country then the economy can shoot and off course it will contribute to more opportunities. We hope we have answered your question.

      ^TM

  18. Good morning brighter monday,
    In the same spirit of having a prepared workforce/ interviewees, could you share the same on Marketing Industry?

    Regards

    • Hi McCarios,
      Thanks a lot for your feedback.
      Your proposals will be put into consideration.

      ^TM

  20. Good evening,

    Most banks look for experienced guys and most of us are direct graduates,how do you persuade that you really fit for the position without the required experience?
    Or is there an entry point in banking?
    I have two years working experience from a micro finance as a business development officer and am currently working as an insurance financial advisor,but i want to grow to the position of a unit manager coz i believe i have the leadership skills to develop a unit and a team too…can you guide me on the same?

    • Hi Muchiri,
      Thank you for reading.
      To reach management level you must have experience and since you are a graduate it may take a while before you are given managerial task so be patient and do your level best in your current place of work and in dew time you will get a promotion. All the best.

      ^TM

  21. I did banking insurance and finance,at nkumba university Uganda, I have been applying for that jobs in the financial sector like banks and insurance companies, but I have never been called for interview! What could be the main problem why I can’t qualify for any interview?

    • Hi Kimanu,
      Thank you for writing to us.
      If you have not updated your cv and profile, it can contribute. Also if you have been applying the wrong kind of jobs or even if you have been, but your time of application is not immediate then it may cause your current predicament. So make sure that you have updated your CV and profile and more importantly apply immediate once you get a job alert from us.
      All the best!

      ^TM

  23. am a university student pas-suing bachelor of commerce in accounting currently in Nakuru Kenya ,Kabarak University . i need opportunities PLEASE EQUIP ME

  24. Hello!
    If am asked with an interviewer ,why do you want to leave your current job?
    What will be the suitable or appropriate answer to say.

    • Hi Felly,
      Thank you for this question however, we would not be in a position to answer you that because one knows best why he or she decided to leave the job he or she was in and the important thing is now how reveal it. Read here http://bit.ly/2uRcukZ and also know how to answer questions related to that.

      ^TM

  25. Hi there,I have a bachelor of commerce -finance option,,between c.p.a and CIFA,which one can you advice me to under take first

    • Hi Antony
      There are important questions that you need to ask yourself first. Is it for the purpose of: gaining knowledge or expertise in a subject, a qualification or find a way into a specific career. Also you need to know how the course itself is structured. Then after weighing your options you know among the two which course you can pick.

      ^TM

  26. Hi,Am in a dilemma choosing which course to do.Am interested in starting with a Certificate in Banking and Finance and also am interested in doing Certificate in Procurement and Supplies Management.Am starting my career but am so confused i dont know which path to take.Please advice

    • Hi Antony,
      Just choose the one you are passionate about and also do a research on the current job market.There are important questions also that you need to ask yourself first. Is it for the purpose of: gaining knowledge or expertise , or finding a way into a specific career. Also you need to know how the two course are structured. Then after weighing your options you will know which course you can pick. We hope we have answered your question.
      ^TM

  28. Hi am Dr. Michael Kariru
    For me am pursuing business management and administration and I want to be a financial analyst how do I achieve my dreams

    • Hi Michael,
      Just choose the one you are passionate about and also do a research on the current job market.There are important questions also that you need to ask yourself first. Is it for the purpose of: gaining knowledge or expertise , or finding a way into a specific career. Also you need to know how the two course are structured. Then after weighing your options you will know which course you can pick. We hope we have answered your question.
      ^TM

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